Deloitte launches Business Guide for Iraq

5 July, 2017 – Deloitte has launched itslatest report “Doing business guide – understanding Iraq’s tax position" to guide businesses through the complex and constantly evolving Iraqi landscape. The report looks to highlight key areas of consideration both for those businesses who are looking to invest in Iraq for the first time, as well as those who are more experienced in operating in Iraq.

Following the appointment of a new Director General of the General Commission for Taxes (GCT), the GCT has affirmed that one of their key objectives is to close out tax assessmentsand to maximize collection of tax revenues.

“Iraq has not fully implemented a self-assessment system of taxation and the assessment process is still very much driven by the tax authority’s review of the submitted tax filings,” explains Jayne Stokes, Director, Iraq Tax, Deloitte Middle East. “However, there is a perception within the GCT that taxpayers are not making sufficient effort to actively engage in discussion with the tax authority.”

The Deloitte report provides businesses with key tax considerations for doing business in Iraq, and highlights significant government, economic, market and legal drivers which can impact their operations. The guide also covers the industries of opportunity and key considerations for entering the market and the indicators and procedures for starting a business in Iraq.

“Despite the complexity of this jurisdiction, Iraq still offers investment opportunities for foreign businesses,” says Alex Law, Partner in charge of International Tax Services at Deloitte in the Middle East. “However, in light of the approach we are seeing taken by the GCT, it is important for taxpayers – both those new to Iraq and those with more developed operations in Iraq – to take proactive steps from the outset to ensure that they remain compliant with respect to their tax filing obligations in Iraq.”

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Deloitte provides audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, tax and related services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories, Deloitte brings world-class capabilities and high-quality service to clients, delivering the insights they need to address their most complex business challenges. Deloitte’s more than 220,000 professionals are committed to making an impact that matters.

About Deloitte & Touche (M.E.):

Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) and is a leading professional services firm established in the Middle East region with uninterrupted presence since 1926.

Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through 26 offices in 15 countries with more than 3,300 partners, directors and staff. It is a Tier 1 Tax advisor in the GCC region since 2010 (according to the International Tax Review World Tax Rankings). It has also received numerous awards in the last few years which include best employer in the Middle East, best consulting firm, the Middle East Training & Development Excellence Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), as well as the best CSR integrated organization.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. Please see About Deloitte to learn more about our global network of member firms.